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‘They burned him alive’: How a viral ‘fake disease’ rumour led to the brutal killing of DRC health workers
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‘They burned him alive’: How a viral ‘fake disease’ rumour led to the brutal killing of DRC health workers

The Indian Express·Express Global Desk·25 days ago
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“They burned him alive, without even leaving me a trace of him,” said Justine Tangakeya, widow of slain health worker John Tangakeya, recalling the mob attack that killed her husband in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), news agency Reuters reported. John Tangakeya and Placide Mbungi, both medical workers, were killed on October 6, 2025, in the Isangi area of Tshopo province while conducting a vaccine-related survey. The health workers were accused by residents of Ilambi village of spreading “fake diseases”. Four health workers were killed in the attack, while one survived. A surviving team member, Mbatu, told Reuters that despite repeated attempts by the doctors to explain they were carrying out vaccine research, villagers remained distrustful. The presence of outsiders wearing high-visibility jackets and carrying digital tablets reportedly deepened suspicion within the community.…

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